When it comes to beauty, it’s fascinating how different cultures define what’s attractive. I’ve noticed that our beauty trends tend to be a bit more subtle, while over in the US, the standards can be bold, even flashy at times. I’ve always found it interesting to see how Americans approach beauty, and there are definitely a few trends that make us Brits stop and scratch our heads. It’s not that one way is better than the other—it’s just that some of these American beauty habits are quite different from what we’re used to. So, here are 14 American beauty trends that leave me—and plenty of Brits—feeling a bit bewildered!
1. Perfectly White Teeth
In America, sparkling white teeth are a must, with many people opting for professional whitening treatments. To Brits, this can sometimes look a bit overdone. While dental care is important in the UK too, teeth don’t need to be unnaturally bright to be considered healthy.
2. Bronzed Tans Year-Round
Americans love a sun-kissed glow, even in the middle of winter, and many turn to spray tans or tanning beds. Brits, who often embrace their natural skin tones and are used to less sun, tend to see this as a bit unnecessary—or sometimes, downright puzzling.
3. Overly Sculpted Eyebrows
Many Americans are fans of perfectly shaped and filled-in eyebrows, often using techniques like microblading to create a bold, defined look. To Brits, who generally prefer a more natural brow, this can look overly dramatic.
4. Full Face of Makeup for Everyday Life
In the US, wearing a full face of makeup, including contouring and heavy foundation, is common even for casual outings. Brits, who tend to lean towards a more minimal, “no makeup” look for daily life, find this a bit much for running errands.
5. Extreme Plastic Surgery
From lip fillers to Botox and facelifts, Americans are more likely to undergo cosmetic procedures to alter their appearance. In the UK, there’s more of an emphasis on aging gracefully, and extreme surgical enhancements can be seen as unnecessary.
6. Fitness Obsession and the “Perfect Body”
In America, achieving a toned, fit physique is often considered a crucial part of beauty. This focus on hitting the gym and sculpting the perfect body can seem excessive to Brits, who are generally less concerned with body perfection.
7. Long, Dramatic Fake Nails
Many American women favour long, meticulously designed fake nails, often using acrylics or gels to create intricate designs. Brits tend to keep their nails shorter and more practical, finding the extreme nail art trend a bit hard to understand.
8. Ultra-Smooth, Hairless Skin
While both cultures embrace hair removal, the American obsession with being completely hair-free—through waxing, shaving, and laser treatments—is sometimes seen as excessive. Brits may take a more relaxed approach, especially when it comes to areas like arms or thighs.
9. Flawless Skin with Heavy Use of Skincare Products
Americans often invest heavily in skincare routines with multiple steps, including toners, serums, and masks to achieve flawless skin. Brits, while keen on good skincare, may see the extensive routine as a bit too fussy, preferring a more straightforward approach.
10. Extreme Eyelash Extensions
Big, fluttery eyelash extensions are hugely popular in the US. Brits, on the other hand, tend to keep it simple with a good mascara, finding the elaborate lash looks a bit over the top for everyday wear.
11. Hair Extensions for Volume and Length
Hair extensions are a go-to for many Americans looking to add volume or length to their hair. In the UK, natural hair—whether long or short—is embraced more, with extensions sometimes seen as trying too hard.
12. Perfectly Styled, Immaculate Hair
Americans often go to great lengths to achieve sleek, shiny, and styled hair every day. In contrast, Brits tend to prefer a more laid-back approach, embracing the “just rolled out of bed” look rather than spending hours in front of the mirror.
13. Bigger Is Better: From Lips to Lashes
From Kylie Jenner-inspired lips to voluminous lashes, Americans often embrace the idea that bigger is better when it comes to beauty. Brits, who generally favour a more understated look, might find the “bigger is better” mentality a bit too much.
14. The Rise of the Instagram Face
In the US, the influence of social media has led to a uniform, “Instagram face” look—full lips, high cheekbones, and contoured features. This polished, filtered look is admired by some but can seem artificial to Brits, who are more likely to celebrate individuality over trends.
16 American Foods Brits Can’t Stand
Food preferences can vary wildly across cultures, and what’s considered a delicacy in one country might be seen as downright bizarre in another. This cultural divide is particularly evident when comparing American and British cuisines. While the two nations share a common language, their tastes in food can be worlds apart. From overly sweet concoctions to processed cheese products, there are certain American foods that many Brits find hard to stomach.
Read More: 16 American Foods Brits Can’t Stand
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
